Please support me on Patreon, where you can read 100+ extra chapters for this novel and a bunch of extra chapters for all the other novels I'm working on. I upload at least 1-2 times daily for all novels.
Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
Meanwhile, Kiana's trio, forming their self-adjustment squad, settled into an orderly routine of experiencing everyday life.
On another front, Wendy and Seele were actively planning against the Herrscher of a Thousand People. Coordinating with Welt and others' actions, they disseminated unified information, quickly tracking down the whereabouts of their target, as expected.
Then, the duo stepped out of Headquarters, embarking on a path to engage more closely with the Herrscher of a Thousand People, aiming for its complete annihilation.
At the same time, within the distant Virtual Space, a new Theater of Domination had taken shape.
"Damn it! This is so annoying!"
"That's enough; let's continue unearthing any potential resistance forces we can find. We must prevent their smooth consolidation at all costs, or we'll face the worst-case scenario."
"Easier said than done—how do you propose to stop them? It's clear now that they've abandoned gradual, moderate reforms and are instead moving towards centralized power through violence!"
"Cursed be! Don't they fear undermining the very foundations of civilization?"
"From a collective perspective, for some individuals, death may prove more beneficial than life."
"I didn't ask you to praise them! Who would have thought they'd actually disregard widespread casualties and make such a radical decision... This complicates matters significantly. No matter how hard we try, there's no way to assemble sufficient force from this bunch of useless fools to counterbalance theirs. The momentum towards unity can only be delayed to a certain extent, not halted entirely!"
"We cannot rely on humans. Ultimately, our true strength lies within ourselves. Herrschers, we need more Herrscher abilities!"
"What do we do now? After obtaining the Herrscher of Ice's abilities, they'll undoubtedly be on high alert. The Herrschers won't easily emerge from their turtle-like Headquarters. Do you think we can just force our way through?"
The Theater of Domination descended into chaos, resembling an unruly, unregulated marketplace.
With the host individual being away, no one stepped forward to become the focal point for everyone's criticism, leading to an even more disordered mix of discussions and verbal abuse.
Suddenly, all individuals fell silent for a moment, collectively raising their heads as if seeing something amidst the hazy sky—another individual outside had transmitted synchronized information.
Soon, the commotion resumed.
"It's peculiar! The Herrscher of Wind and Herrscher of Death ventured out together, while the rest continue to hide like turtles. What are they thinking?"
"Could it be because these two are considered the most complete Herrschers, so they believe there's no need to worry about our capabilities?"
"Anyone with brains here? Care to analyze the situation?"
Then, the host materialized from the void, stepping onto the central podium.
"She's back, she's back! She has the biggest brain; let's hear her blather!"
"This time, you might actually be useful for once. Speak up quickly!"
"Silence!"
"Tap! Tap!"
The host struck their small gavel on the podium, scanning around at the identical doll-like faces surrounding them. Once everyone finally settled down, they sighed expressionlessly.
"For us, centralizing power under one rule is the most unfavorable outcome, yet this consolidation seems inevitable. So why reveal their intentions prematurely? Wouldn't it have been more effective to quietly strategize and launch a decisive offensive when fully prepared, minimizing resistance?"
"There can only be one reason: This move targets us directly. For them, eliminating us takes precedence over any increased resistance caused by divulging their plans."
"As anticipated, we must obstruct unification, forcing us to abandon our previous concealment strategy. Consequently, they've found us."
"The question now is, why did Wendy and Seele come after us instead of the other Herrschers? Even more puzzling, where are those true monsters? Why aren't they dealing with us?"
"Two possibilities. First, despite usurping the Herrscher of Ice's abilities, we're still underestimated. Our adversaries believe that two Perfect-Stage Herrschers alone are sufficient to handle us. Second, this is a trap—once we engage them directly, unable to resist, stronger forces will unexpectedly intervene, aiming for our fatal downfall."
"It's evident that the second scenario seems more likely."
After her analysis, the host paused, awaiting reactions from the listeners.
As expected, the crowd quickly buzzed with activity.
"So, does that mean we should just sit idly and do nothing?"
"No... This move is quite ruthless. If we neither counterattack nor hide when pursued by those two, we'll suffer unnecessary losses. But if we go into hiding without interfering in human society, it significantly reduces resistance against their unification efforts. And if we retaliate... as the host mentioned, it could very well be a trap."
"Dang! Does that leave us with no way out?"
"Hey! Can you just tell us your plan already? Don't keep us hanging!"
Soon, regardless of whether they had ideas or not, all eyes turned towards the central figure—the host. She was an expert at scheming and manipulation, and following an expert's guidance tends to minimize mistakes.
"Sigh..."
The host sighed deeply and pondered for a moment before saying:
"My current dilemma is—whether to take a massive gamble."
"How would we gamble?"
Someone from the audience asked.
The host responded:
"By drawing them inside, then severing the connection to the real world. We'd complete the domination ritual right here within this theater, seizing their abilities."
"You're insane! Doing that would gradually expose the Theater of Domination to Virtual Space's consumption. Even if we manage to seize their powers, escaping death would be incredibly difficult."
"It's precisely by risking our lives that we can secure an advantageous position free from external interference. Almost all individuals must engage in battle, leaving only a handful to guard outside. If successful, these guards will receive feedback from Herrscher energy, allowing them to effortlessly revive everyone and regain control over the Theater of Domination. However, if we fail, the remaining guards become the final Herrschers of a Thousand People, with our power diminished to its lowest point... But at least, we'll drag two Perfect-Stage Herrschers down with us, somewhat alleviating the pressure on those left behind."
"Nonsense! Winning might be manageable, but losing means total defeat! Losing two Herrschers still leaves the enemy overwhelmingly powerful. On our side, if both the Theater of Domination and most of our strength vanish into Virtual Space, what could such a small surviving group possibly achieve? Dreaming about making a comeback or regaining momentum?"
"The individuals staying behind must be carefully selected to maximize our chances for retreat, but that's a discussion for later. The crucial point is, we actually have no choice. As your analysis suggests, our current situation leaves us extremely vulnerable. Any other option would simply place us at the mercy of our enemies, akin to lying on their chopping block. Without going all-in, we'd just be waiting for death. So, do we gamble or not? Let's take a vote; those willing to bet, raise your hands."
In the audience seats, one by one, doll arms rose with various distorted shapes, yet clearly expressing their stance.
The host quickly counted - about one-fifth raised their hands.
However, she remained unperturbed, calmly observing the crowd.
After a few seconds, more hands gradually lifted.
"Damn it! Not betting means a slow death anyway, so what're you scared of?!"
"I think it's worth trying. Leaving aside the Herrscher of Wind, the Herrscher of Death is inherently timid. There's little chance they've truly subdued her Herrscher Persona, giving us a decent opportunity."
"If none of us step up, when will the Herrscher of a Thousand People emerge? Without sacrifices, how can new abilities ascend?"
"...I propose we first hear out the host's plan for a fallback before deciding. Host, revealing only half the story might lead to some bleeping—ah!"
Amidst these voices, the presiding figure observed that nearly one-third had voted in favor and announced:
"For those staying behind, we provisionally set the number at 8 individuals.
"First is the General. With her strongest individual combat capability comes the highest survival potential, ensuring the best chances of enduring even after failure."
"Next, it's me, the Dean, and the Pope. Regardless of your verbal acknowledgments, I possess the greatest strategic planning abilities. Only I can accurately assess situations amidst adversity and take the most advantageous actions. The Dean and Pope excel in swaying hearts and inciting rebellions; in emergencies, they can maximize human support for our cause."
"The fifth is the Architect. She has unparalleled talent in spatial manipulation, making her indispensable for the swift reconstruction of the Theater of Domination, regardless of success or failure."
"The remaining three spots are less critical and will be filled on a voluntary basis. Primarily serving as sacrificial shields to absorb enemy attacks, their role ensures that even if our operations fail and enemies launch targeted assaults, the high-value first five individuals can survive until the opportune moment to turn the tide."
After the presiding figure calmly concluded, several dolls began exhibiting peculiar gestures, seemingly lost in their own thoughts.
"It sounds quite reasonable,"
"With this setup, even if our plan fails, there's still a significant chance to turn things around in the real world. It's worth giving it a shot."
"At worst, we can hide away. The lost powers will eventually recover over time, allowing us to revive... Assuming they don't utterly crush us before that happens."
"Leaving behind the team with the highest overall capabilities seems reasonable for now. The host is right; taking this gamble is the best option amidst limited choices."
"We must escape the enemy's trap; otherwise, death awaits. I'm all in! Either we succeed or lie low... We've become quite experienced at enduring hardships and biding our time, haven't we?"
"Success aside, just imagine their faces when two Herrschers fall by our hands—it'll be priceless!"
"Oh? Now you've got me excited too. Hey! Those staying behind, remember to capture some photos if you get the chance. Once I respawn, I definitely want to relish those expressions! Ha ha ha!"
As enthusiasm grew, more hands gradually raised until the count surpassed the number of dolls—some overly excited individuals couldn't help but raise both arms.
The host scanned the crowd, then raised her small hammer and struck it forcefully.
"Bang!"
"The motion is passed! Next, let's discuss specific action plans..."